Murray backing Konta for number one spot

Andy Murray believes rising star Johanna Konta has what it takes to rise to the top of women's tennis.

Konta has picked up two titles this year, firstly at the Apia International and then her first WTA Premier Mandatory event at the Miami Open in March. Her performance at the Apia International in Sydney was particularly dominant, as she cruised through the tournament without dropping a set.

The Brit has racked up a 19-3 win/loss record for the year, helping her move to a career high ranking of seventh.

Murray indicated that with the indomitable Serena Williams taking the rest of 2017 off to have her first child, the race is on to claim the mantle of women's tennis.

"It's been pretty much 18 months where she's played at a level where she's in the top seven or eight players in the world," the world number one told The Guardian.

"She was close to getting to Singapore last year and she's in with a good shot of doing it this year.

"I'm sure for all of the women, with Serena out, it's going to be tough to predict. If she steps up her game there's no reason why she can't get close to the top."